H130 vs 429
The 429 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus Helicopters H130 (introduced 2012) beside the Bell Textron 429 (introduced 2009) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the 429 has the advantage. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
H130 vs 429: the key differences
- The 429 delivers 23% more range (H130: 335 nm; 429: 411 nm).
- The 429 delivers 15% more cruise speed (H130: 130 kt; 429: 150 kt).
- The H130 and 429 are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 8 seats.
- The H130 is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 2009 for the 429), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 429 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,000 lbs versus 5,070 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H130 runs 1 engine against 2 on the 429 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the H130 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the 429 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H130 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 429 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
H130 vs 429: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H130 or the 429?
The 429 has the longer published range — 411 nm versus 335 nm for the H130.
Which is faster, the H130 or the 429?
The 429 cruises faster, at 150 kt versus 130 kt for the H130.
Which is newer, the H130 or the 429?
The H130 is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 2009 for the 429.
Is the H130 or the 429 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 429 is the larger aircraft — 7,000 lbs versus 5,070 lbs for the H130.
Should I buy the H130 or the 429?
Choose the 429 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H130 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 429 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the H130 vs 429?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.